Category: Cleveland Indians (Page 55 of 96)

Opening Day is upon us and after a disappointing end to the 2005 season, the Cleveland Indians are more than ready to get this season underway. The club has the chance to temporarily get that bad taste out of its mouth starting tonight against the defending World Series champion White Sox. There have been ups and downs for the Indians the past three seasons with the young group they have but they’ve taken away something from each season. The Indians have gained some valuable experience and are poised to get to the postseason in 2006. There is no next year anymore and for the Tribe, the future is now.

The Indians signed Grady Sizemore to a $23.45 million, six-year contract. This represents the most guaranteed money for a player with less than two years of MLB service. Say what you want about Dolan, but with Mark Shapiro’s help, the Tribe is putting together one hell of a team for the future.

Cleveland Indians first basemen Ben Broussard is facing a do or die situation this season with the Tribe. Broussard, who batted .255 with 19 home runs and 68 RBI last season, has been given the starting first base job the last couple years simply because the Indians didn’t have a better option. But with highly regarded prospect Ryan Garko close to major league ready, Broussard is going to be under close watch this season.

Whether he is feeling the pressure or not, Ben knows he needs to improve and has worked hard in the offseason with hitting coach Derek Shelton on his mental approach to the game. The 29-year-old lefty has struggled putting up consistent power numbers over his career. First base is considered a power position and Broussard’s numbers are well below that of your typical American League first basemen. He has shown in his short Major League career that he can be productive in streaks but has been unable to sustain it for an entire season. His on-base percentage and batting average were close to last among American League first basemen last season and he has shown he is susceptible to the strikeout.

Perhaps an offseason of greater preparation and film study can get Broussard back to his 2004 form when he hit .275 and drove in 82 runs. If Benny continues to struggle, we may see Garko in an Indians uniform sooner rather than later.

The Cleveland Indians find themselves in the same situation as their neighboring Cavaliers. They are both in a division that has the World Champions. The Indians are currently ranked behind the Chicago White Sox’s in the early polls, although the wild card is a very attainable goal. The most critical factor for this young team and Coach Eric Wedge is to not “start slow’.

The last couple years, Cleveland and Coach Wedge have started slow and spent the entire season making up ground. The talent and parity in the American League will not allow them to do that and still be competitive this year. It is critical for Cleveland to get out of the blocks fast and put the pressure on the Chicago early. The success of team will be based on the success of C. C. Sabathia as our number one starter, a position he has struggled with his entire career. The first month of the season will shape the entire year.